Detroit Lions 7-round 2020 NFL mock draft: Revitalizing the defense
By Jason Truitt
Gabriel Davis. 4. WR. University of Central Florida. player. 886. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
Danny Amendola is expected to become an unrestricted free agent this March. The Detroit Lions have the weapons to become a great offense, they just need to maintain that with a reliable replacement here in the fourth round. They were able to rank in the top ten in NFL in terms of passing yards, even with a backup quarterback in the late half of the season.
Gabriel Davis would pair nicely with Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay. Davis should be able to make an impact early and take over the slot position for the Detroit Lions. He has nice route-running skills and solid release from the inside. Davis obtains good strength and size at 6-foot-3, 212 pounds. During his career as a UCF Knight, Davis brought in 152 catches for over 2,400 yards and 23 touchdowns. He’s one of my favorite day three guys.
Scouting Report. John Simpson. 5a. 879. Pick Analysis. IOL. Clemson. player
In my opinion, John Simpson from Clemson is a late-round gem. Shockingly, Clemson hasn’t had an offensive lineman taken in the NFL draft since 2014. But Simpson is different and will break that streak in April. His large frame of 330 pounds provides him the ability to anchor the inside with ease.
Last season, he was able to maintain one of the best interior defensive lineman in college football, Javon Kinlaw. He tends to get good leverage, containing defenders at the line of scrimmage. However, Simpson’s footwork could improve.
The Detroit Lions should not be comfortable with Oday Aboushi as the next man up at right guard. Aboushi finished the season with a lousy PFF grade of 59.9. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is becoming too fragile to take the hits like he does. The Lions pass protection gave up 43 sacks last year.
LB. Michigan State. player. 5b. 805. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Joe Bachie Jr.
In this mock, Joe Bachie Jr. will serve as the 2020 draft pick the Detroit Lions acquired from the Quandre Diggs trade with Seattle back in October. The linebacker unit for the Detroit Lions has remained nameless as they have yet to make vital contributions. Devon Kennard has shown promise, but coverage has shown to be an endeavor. This group is also to blame for the Lions crippling defense as they ranked 21st against the run last season.
Bachie Jr. is flawless at getting to the ball. He topped 100 total tackles in both his sophomore and junior years and tends to play aggressively downhill. He also was able to snag a handful of sacks at Michigan State. His coverage ability is mediocre but he makes up for it with his pursuit and blitzing talent. He was named a team captain for MSU in 2018.
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DT. 6. 841. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Ole Miss. Benito Jones. player
Benito Jones will add depth to the Detroit Lions depleted defensive line core. He’s suits as a nice anchor on the line at 330 pounds and utilizes his strength to rip through blocks. He would fit the scheme nicely as a two-down run plugger as you can take advantage of his wide frame and size. Other than Damon Harrison, the Lions lack depth at the defensive interior position. Jones impressed scouts enough to receive an invite to the Senior Bowl this year.